Latest news with #Matias
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Minnesota private schools sound alarm over proposed elimination of funding
The Brief Governor Walz has proposed eliminating $109 million in nonpublic school and transportation aid. Leaders from the state's 400-plus private schools say it would have a huge impact on students and their families. The state's largest educators' union supports the proposal, arguing "public money should go to the public's schools." ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - Staring down a looming budget deficit, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has proposed cutting $109 million in non-public school aid and non-public transportation aid. Non-public school funding budget cuts What we know A state law has allowed free transportation for all students in Minnesota, regardless of where they go to school, for decades. Walz's plan also cuts $40 million from facilities and special education budgets at charter schools. What they're saying Located on the same block in north Minneapolis since the 1800's, Ascension Catholic School aims to change lives through faith and education. Principal Benito Matias says it's a misconception that private schools are only for wealthy, white families. "We serve some of the most marginalized populations within our Twin Cities," said Matias. Currently, 96% of their student body are students of color; 70% qualify for free or reduced lunch; and 17% are English language learners. Matias says the proposed elimination of all non-public school aid could have a massive impact at Ascension, especially when it comes to transportation to and from school. "When you talk about daily transportation getting to and from school... the type of hardship that could put on families that's hard to measure, and that's separate from what the financial impact would be," said Matias. Dan Ahlstrom of Heilicher Minneapolis Jewish Day School says the state funding doesn't go to the school, it goes directly to the students, for things like textbooks and counseling support. He recently spoke out against the proposal at the state capitol. "Many of our families come to our school because they want to feel safe, but the rise of antisemitism has caused great anxiety in our students and our families and having nonpublic pupil aid for counseling services provides strong support and early intervention is a benefit to everyone," said Ahlstrom. The other side The state's largest educators' union, Education Minnesota, supports this section of the governor's budget, arguing the public's money should be going to the public's schools, especially in the midst of cuts happening at the federal level. "The exclusive private schools in the Twin Cities are going to be fine," their statement reads in part. "It's the public schools that welcome every student in every Minnesota community that the legislature needs to worry about now." What's next The funding cut is in the Senate's version of the budget, but it isn't in the House version, so administrators say all they can do is watch and wait to see what happens. The deadline for a budget to be passed by legislators at the capitol is May 19.


CBS News
09-04-2025
- CBS News
Massachusetts restaurant owner killed in Dominican Republic nightclub roof collapse
In the city of Lawrence, Massachusetts, the tragic roof collapse of a nightclub in the Dominican Republic has hit home, impacting a community where more than half the residents have ties there. A local restaurant owner was killed, and a woman is among the missing. Santiago Matias, a local radio host, shared his pain with a Dominican television station that reached out Wednesday. "It's devastating for me," Matias said. "A lot of pain for the family." Matias is still waiting for word about his sister, 67-year-old Florinda Rojas, who is among the hundreds at the iconic Jet Set nightclub still missing in the rubble. "We keep praying for a miracle," Matias said. He's also heartbroken over the loss of his friend, Fray Luis Rosario, a Lawrence entrepreneur who owns several businesses including the popular Terra Luna Cafe in the city's downtown. Rosario is among the more than 120 people killed . "He was growing, growing, growing fast," Matias said of Rosario. "Hardworking, somebody that everybody loved in the community." Lawrence City Councilor Jeovanny Rodriguez also knew the restaurant owner, who frequented the Dominican Republic on business, and was taking part in a popular merengue party that's a Monday night tradition for locals, as well as politicians and sports figures. "He's one of the people who wanted to revitalize downtown area in Lawrence, and always active within the community," Rodriguez said. Lawrence mayor Brian DePena took part in raising the Dominican flag Wednesday afternoon as a symbol of hope. In this community, everyone has been touched by what seems the unthinkable.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NYC small businesses to be featured at Citi Field this season
QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) — Citi Field is known for its good food, and now the food is getting even better. Four small businesses in New York City are going to be featured at Citi Field this season. More Local News This is the third year the New York Mets and Coca-Cola have partnered to have local businesses at the Taste of Queens community stand, as well as the Coca-Cola Food Truck. The Mets said the restaurants were chosen for their delicious food and their unique history. Greenwich Village's Dorado Tacos and Quesadillas was one of the restaurants that was chosen. 'We're going to be sharing our Mexican cuisine with the world, and they thought it was a great opportunity to get people to share our menu,' said Jenni Matias with Dorado Tacos and Quesadillas. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State 'We hope to grow more and get more opportunities, and we're honored to be there,' Matias said. Thai Tai Eatery is another business that was chosen. It will be selling its popular bánh mì sandwich, which includes Vietnamese sausage. The Maspeth eatery is owned by couple Rung Vora and Yan Lim. They opened the restaurant in 2023 and said being chosen to serve their cuisine at Citi Field is the opportunity of a lifetime. 'It's so amazing. I'm so grateful to join this event, and I'm going to do my best to work with the team and do bánh mì for everyone,' Vora said. 'Hopefully business will pick up and everyone will know us more than now.' The couple moved to New York from Thailand in 1996. They said this is a great way to showcase their menu and heritage to the rest of the city. Both Thai Tai Eatery and Dorado Tacos and Quesadillas will be available at every Mets game from July 1 to Sept. 21. Arepalicious from Ozone Park and Fieldtrip from Manhattan will be at the games from April 4 to June 26. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Associated Press
28-01-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Athena Bitcoin Global CEO Matias Goldenhörn to Speak at Plan ₿ Forum El Salvador
SAN SALVADOR, EL SALVADOR / ACCESS Newswire / January 28, 2025 / Athena Bitcoin Global proudly announces that its CEO, Matias Goldenhörn, will be a featured panelist at the upcoming Plan ₿ Forum El Salvador, Central America's premier Bitcoin conference. This landmark event will take place on January 30-31, 2025, in San Salvador, El Salvador, and will bring together global leaders, technologists, and entrepreneurs to explore key topics surrounding Bitcoin adoption, economics, financial freedom, and freedom of speech. Matias Goldenhörn will participate in a distinguished panel focusing on Bitcoin adoption in LATAM, sharing insights on the transformative impact of Bitcoin across the region and Athena Bitcoin's pivotal role in fostering financial inclusion and innovation. With years of experience spearheading Athena Bitcoin's operations across Latin America, Matias brings a wealth of knowledge and firsthand expertise to the conversation. 'El Salvador's leadership in Bitcoin adoption has sparked a global conversation about the future of finance, and I am honored to join this esteemed panel at the Plan ₿ Forum,' said Matias Goldenhörn. 'Bitcoin has the power to drive financial freedom and economic growth, particularly in Latin America, where traditional financial systems often fall short of meeting the needs of the people.' About Plan ₿ Forum: The Plan ₿ Forum El Salvador is a premier platform uniting thought leaders, policy makers, innovators, and enthusiasts from around the world to discuss Bitcoin's evolving role in the global economy. With a focus on fostering dialogue and innovation, the conference highlights El Salvador's pioneering approach to Bitcoin adoption and its potential to transform economies and societies. About Athena Bitcoin Global Athena Bitcoin Global operates an international network of Athena Bitcoin kiosks, which are free standing kiosks that permit customers to buy or sell Bitcoin in exchange for fiat currencies. The Company places its machines in convenience stores, shopping centers and other easily accessible locations in thirty-three US states and territories, and in four countries in Central and South America. Athena Bitcoin Global's comprehensive fintech platform enables POS merchant payments powered by Athena Pay and the Company provides safe, reliable and personalized trading services through its Athena Plus services. To learn more visit or follow Athena Bitcoin Global on Twitter and LinkedIn. Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans, and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the expected trading commencement and closing dates. The words 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'continue,' 'could,' 'estimate,' 'expect,' 'intend,' 'may,' 'plan,' 'potential,' 'predict,' 'project,' 'should,' 'target,' 'will,' 'would' and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: the uncertainties related to market conditions and the completion of the public offering on the anticipated terms or at all, and other factors discussed in the 'Risk Factors' section of the preliminary prospectus filed with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Athena Bitcoin Global specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.